Toon Outraged At Reds' Milner Bid

Liverpool have reportedly offered up three youngsters in an ambitious bid for Newcastle United winger James Milner, incurring the wrath of the Tyneside club.

The Evening Chronicle reports that Reds boss Rafa Benitez is hoping to trade Argentine full-back Emiliano Insua, central defender Jack Hobbs and one other in exchange for Milner.

Aston Villa boss Martin O’Neill was livid when Benitez attempted to capture Gareth Barry with a similar deal, although the Ulsterman never revealed which players his Reds counterpart had put forward.

But a Toon source claimed Insua and Hobbs, both 19, were definitely involved in the Milner offer, although the third player was such a “nonentity” that his name was not even worth remembering.

Magpies boss Kevin Keegan is reportedly insulted by his former club’s meagre advances, and will no doubt seek a significantly more attractive proposal before he considers parting with the England under-21 international.

Liverpool signed Insua from Boca Juniors in 2004 and is highly rated within the club, while Hobbs is expected to be offloaded after spending the second half of last season on loan at Scunthorpe.

Ability To Adapt The Key For FernandoTorres

It is not just the hair, blonder with each dye, that makes Fernando Torres stand out in the company of his countrymen. In a squad conspicuously short of six-footers, most look quite a way up to their centre-forward. The public already give him a status above any other Spanish footballer. As the squad left Santander for what they hope will be an absence of nearly a month, the loudest squeals from fans were for Torres, formerly El Niño. Now he has a right to be appreciated as El Adulto.

Torres does not naturally seek what Spaniards call protagonismo; he’s not a loudmouth attention-seeker and has a gentle, low-key way with autograph-hunters and those who want their photograph taken alongside him. He would not have appreciated that his team had been booed from the field in Santander at half-time the previous evening by their own public after a stultifying final preparation match - they beat the USA by a solitary late goal - but he used to hear far worse when he was the one man band, teenaged captain of Atletico Madrid. Besides, the vat of self-confidence Torres takes to the European Championship remains full.

He has just broken local records in Liverpool marking the impact of a new striker at a club that so prizes its No 9s: 24 goals in his debut Premier League season. And his national team are undefeated in 16 matches, winning all but two. Spain, like Liverpool, have their dogmas. If they are to win their first major championship since 1964, they will do it with elegance, with overwhelming possession and passing accuracy. “For us, the most important thing is to keep the ball as much as we can,” says Spain coach Luis Aragones. “We are a team that can find it hard to win the ball back.”

Aragones, 69, has been around the block, and if he seems set in his ways, it is because ways are set for him. “Idiosyncrasies exist in certain teams,” he says. “Barcelona have always played better-looking football. It so happens that Real Madrid tend to win more. The best counter-attacking team in Spain has tended to be Atletico.” And in England? “In England the pace of the game is very high,” says Aragones. “I like it, but I prefer the ball to be doing the fast moving, and sometimes the players. That’s what we are good at.”

So here’s the contradiction: Spain will stress the virtues of Spanish football while taking on the rest of the continent with the most expatriate XI in their history; at a pinch, five of their team could be footballers who work in England. Euro 2008 stands ready to applaud Spain for the elegance of their passing and swift geometry of their midfield exchanges, while audiences recovering from another breathless 10 months of the Premier League perk up at seeing leading figures from Liverpool and Arsenal’s last seasons wearing the red of España. Yet Cesc Fabregas, who drives the sweet machinery of Arsenal’s football, may not get into Aragones’s first lineup, against Russia on Tuesday. Liverpool’s Torres will, but must alter his game significantly.

“Spain’s style is slower with many more touches on the ball. With Liverpool everything is more direct,” says Torres. Which did he prefer? “The style of play with Liverpool suits me very well, but now I am with Spain and I have to adapt.” Adapt what? “Liverpool is a hard-working team and that gives you more time to pace yourself up front. I have teammates like [Dirk] Kuyt, who is out of this world with his physical effort. He does his work and some of mine, too. Maybe with Liverpool I get fewer chances in front of goal, but in a way, I have a better chance to convert them.” So what does the adaptation, from prolific Liverpool Red to Spain’s Roja, mean?

His goals for Liverpool would more likely come from crosses, he gives as an example, while those for Spain will be “a one-two in the penalty box, a piece of individual skill, maybe via a reverse pass. You have to be ready for that.” And the alteration, the distinction between the adrenalin of Anfield and the tension around Spain, the team who eternally wait to be the sum of their parts, remains one of these championships’ main intrigues. Will Spain be more worldly for their Premier League nous? Or less Spanish? Torres would like an amalgam of the two. And he’d like one extra piece of Liverpool to become Spanish these next three weeks. Which one? “Steven Gerrard, of course,” says Torres, smiling.

Mourinho After Gerrard, Again?

Internazionale coach Jose Mourinho has been rebuffed yet again in his attempts to lure Steven Gerrard away from Liverpool, according to reports.

News of the World reports that Inter had made the England midfielder a priority target before Mourinho’s arrival, pondering a ₤30million bid before their inquiry into the Reds skipper’s availability was ignored by club and player.

The 28-year-old is keen to stay on Merseyside despite the boardroom battles currently raging at Anfield, and despite Liverpool’s continual failure to challenge for the Premier League title.

Inter had hoped to capitalise on the Reds’ unrest by quietly monitoring the situation to see if Gerrard might be tiring of the upstairs antics and offering him a way out.

During his time at Chelsea, Mourinho twice attempted to sign the boy from Huyton, only to be rejected at the last hour – and the Special One will thus be reluctant to pin his hopes on Gerrard this time around, whether he agrees and move or not.

But ‘Stevie G’ is planning to stay with his boyhood club for the long haul, as he hopes to link up with close friend Gareth Barry next season and continue to forge a dynamic attacking partnership with Fernando Torres.

Cesc And Xabi Alonso The Odd-men Out For Spain

Cesc Fabregas and Xabi Alonso are likely to be on the reserves bench when Spain plays its opening game at the European Championship against Russia on Tuesday.

Spain coach Luis Aragones held the team's first full practice march session at the team's base camp at Stubai valley on Saturday with the expected starting 11 winning 5-1 over the backups thanks to David Villa's three goals.

Fabregas looked frustrated throughout the session despite insisting earlier that he would accept a substitute's role.

"I'll play when I'm called, I'm here to help the national squad to go the furthest possible," said Fabregas, the scorer of the backup side's lone goal. "If you come off the bench, you can always make the difference in a game. I have to be ready for that moment when the coach calls."

The 21-year-old Fabregas has won the FA Cup with Arsenal, while Alonso also has an FA Cup to go with his 2005 Champions League medal with Liverpool. Spain is looking to add to its tally of one major football trophy - this same competition 44 years ago.

Spain faces Russia at Innsbruck, Austria, before playing Sweden and defending champion Greece in Group D.

Fernando Torres and Villa, who has shaken off an injury scare that forced him out of Wednesday's friendly against the United States, will be up front and expect service from wingers Andres Iniesta and David Silva and central midfielders Xavi Hernandez and Marcos Senna.

"The first game of a competition like the Euro is always the hardest. It's very important to start with a win," midfielder Ruben de la Red said. "If you win that first game, everything else is much easier."

It wasn't four years ago. Spain opened Euro 2004 with a 1-0 win over the Russians, but it drew its next game against Greece before being knocked out of the tournament after a defeat to host Portugal.

Russia is coached by Guus Hiddink, a Dutchman who has led every team he's coached at a major championship out of the group phase.

"We have to worry about our own game. We shouldn't be worried about our rival," Silva said. "The most important thing is us."

Aragones has a full roster after Sergio Garcia returned from a quadriceps problem to train with the team for the first time since it arrived at the small moutainside village outside Innsbruck.

The 69-year-old Aragones led the Spanish through some light training in the morning, with the drills sometimes looking closer to breakdancing.

"That's worth a photo!" yelled one spectator.

The sight of Fabregas shadow boxing with Carles Puyol was enough to draw two young girls on horseback over to the fence to watch.

Premiership Pair Named In Brazil Squad

Anderson and Lucas are among 12 overseas-based players named by Brazil coach Dunga to play in a warm-up game for the Olympics on June 22.

Brazil are yet to announce an opponent or venue for the game, but that did not stop Dunga releasing an initial squad following Friday night's shock 2-0 loss to Venezuela in Foxborough in the USA.

Real Madrid's Robinho, 24, is the only player in the group of 12 who would fill one of the three over-age slots if he is named in the final squad for the Games.

Squad: Alves (Almeria); Rafinha (Schalke), Filipe (Deportivo la Coruna), Leonardo (Olympiakos), Breno (Bayern Munich); Lucas (Liverpool), Anderson (Manchester United), Diego (Werder Bremen), Fernandinho (Shakhtar Donetsk); Pato (Milan), Sobis (Real Betis), Robinho (Real Madrid).

Torres Relishing Cesc Partnership

Fernando Torres believes his partnership with Cesc Fabregas this summer could see Spain crowned European champions for the first time since 1964.

Although the pair are fierce rivals during the Premier League season when Liverpool and Arsenal go head-to-head, the former Atletico Madrid striker loves playing with the Gunners playmaker.

Torres' pace and movement make him a handful for any defence and he is relishing the prospect of playing alongside Cesc this summer, a player who he knows will put the ball exactly where he wants it.

Although Spain are often perceived as the perennial under-achievers when it comes to major tournaments, Torres is confident everything will come together for Luis Aragones' side this summer.

"Playing with Cesc is like a dream. He understands the way I move and where I want the ball," Torres told the Sun.

"It's so easy and it gives me great confidence. We all know that Cesc is already one of the best midfielders in the world.

"It's easy to play with someone who has vision but also the ability to put the ball exactly where he wants.

"He spots my runs and sends the ball right in front of me. I am confident it will all come together for us in the European Championships.

"Our understanding on the pitch is great. Spain has great quality and Cesc is among the best in the world.

"We hope he comes forth in the Euro and is at the level he's used to performing for Arsenal. It's a luxury to be able to play with him.

"I hope this is Spain's year. The great thing for us, though, is we don't just have Cesc. Xavi is a huge player as well."

Carragher: Spain Do Not Have The Pace To Win

Jaime Carragher has revealed that he has told his Spanish team-mates that he is not expecting them to win Euro 2008 because of the lack of pace in Luis Aragonés' team.

The Liverpool defender explained that he made no bones about his lack of faith in la Selección and explained that to Fernando Torres, Xabi Alonso, Alvaro Arbeloa and Pepe Reina.

Instead, the England international is backing France or Italy to take the glory in Austria and Switzerland this summer.

"For me it's the same two usual contenders: France and Italy," he told LFC Magazine. "I'm always a big admirer of the French. They have a lot of players with African origins who have learned to play football in France and that's a really good combination.
"They always have plenty of pace in their team too. That's a huge advantage, especially when teams get tired due to the heat and with so many games in a short space of time.

"I always tell the Spanish lads there's not enough pace in the team. Obviously they've got Fernando Torres but apart from him there is no-one else really with that level of speed you need.

"They also lack something in terms of strength. At least that's what I tell them all the time. I'm sure they'll be out to prove me wrong but I don't think it will happen."

Despite not believing that the Spain team can triumph, Carragher does think that Torres can enhance his reputation even further at the tournament.

"I'm sure Fernando will be one of the favourites to be top scorer at Euro 2008," he added.

"He's probably the top striker in the world at the moment and will go into the tournament full of confidence."

Aston Villa's Martin O'Neill Resigned To Losing Gareth Barry To Liverpool

Martin O’Neill has reportedly admitted defeat after weeks spent trying to fend off Liverpool in their attempts to sign his captain Gareth Barry.

Despite seeing his club come sixth in the league last season and qualify for the Intertoto Cup, it is understood that Barry has become increasingly determined to perform at Champions League level, especially after playing, and captaining, England in Trinidad. Performing at the highest plateau in Europe is a pre-requisite, he believes, for carving out a long-term international role.

As such, the chances of Barry remaining at Villa Park are looking progressively slim. O’Neill recently played down Villa’s immediate chances of reaching Champions League – a thinly veiled acceptance that the club and Barry’s most pressing ambitions no longer dovetail. Villa will demand more than the £10 million players-plus-cash deal that Rafael Benitez offered last month, with their asking price said to be in the region of £14 million.

Liverpool, for their part, have begun clearing the decks ahead of Barry’s arrival. Xavi Alonso has been given permission to move to Juventus, although negotiations have been beset by Liverpool’s failure to find common ground with the Italian club over their method of payment. The Turin club are demanding that they be allowed to pay the £16 million fee in instalments over three years.

However, the Liverpool board desperately need to free up accessible cash to fund the Barry move. Benitez is currently trying to offload Peter Crouch to Portsmouth for £10 million, although that deal is also proving harder to bring to conclusion than first thought. Benitez has instead proposed sending Crouch to Villa, a suggestion given short shrift by the 6ft 7in striker.

Finally, Liverpool are expected to firm up their deal with Italian defender Andrea Dossena today ahead of his wedding at the weekend. The Udinese player will arrive on Merseyside for the tune of £7 million.

Liverpool Linked To Valencia's David Villa And David Silva

Liverpool have been put on alert after Valencia revealed the club will listen to “serious” offers for David Villa and David Silva.

Spain striker Villa has been linked to a host of top clubs across Europe, including the Reds, while midfielder Silva is also being monitored by a host to English sides.

An exodus of Valencia’s top players has been predicted as the club look to solve some of the financial trouble caused by the sizeable pay-off to sacked coach Ronald Koeman and problems with the construction of a new stadium.

“For us they (Villa and Silva) are fundamental players but it’s not down to me to say who plays and how,” said president Agustin Morera.

“If very serious offers come in they will be looked at if (technical secretary Juan Gines) Sanchez and (head coach Unai) Emery think it’s convenient.

“If not they’ll say that these players can’t leave because they are important. We’ll do what’s best for the club.”

Torres Desperate For Euro Silverware

Spain striker Fernando Torres is eyeing Euro 2008 glory to help him get over his Champions League semi-final heartbreak with Liverpool.

Torres came within touching distance of capping a memorable first season at Anfield with a Champions League final appearance, but agonizingly missed out after a 4-3 aggregate loss to Chelsea in the last four.

That meant Torres, despite netting 33 competitive goals following his big-money move from Atletico Madrid, ended his maiden campaign at Liverpool without any major honors.

Liverpool's loss could be Spain's gain though, with the 24-year-old hitman desperate to win some silverware this summer.

I have a lot of confidence following this season, and with a lot of desire to be able to finish the season with a title,'' he said.

The semi-finals of the Champions League have left a bad taste in the mouth, we were close to winning the Champions League and you could taste what it could be like to win such an important title.

It was not to be though and now this (Euro 2008) is the last opportunity to finish with a title of this nature.

It will be what I have always dreamed of - a great season and a great end.'' Opinion is divided on Spain’s chances of winning this summer s European Championships.

While few doubt they have the ability and the players to walk off with the big prize, Spain's history and reputation for underachieving on the biggest stages casts a heavy shadow over the team.

The Iberian nation have only conquered Europe once in their history, when they won on home soil in 1964, and since then have only managed to get beyond the quarter-finals on one occasion.

Spain are still among the favorites to win the title this summer, but Torres does not believe they are top-dogs heading into the competition.

I don't think so. The favorites are those who have shown that they can win, who have done it many times. France, Germany, Italy - they have won several tournaments and they are the ones who have to take this tag,'' Torres said.

I don’t think being favorites does anything other than means you have added pressure and if at the end you do not win there are more critics."

Torres Tells Liverpool's Feuding Owners To Start Spending

Fernando Torres wants to be surrounded by more stars at Liverpool, urging feuding owners Tom Hicks and George Gillett Jr. to start spending more.

"In order to compete with Manchester United and Chelsea, if we can't keep up with them economically, then we have to get it absolutely right in the transfer market,'' the Spain striker was quoted as saying in an interview published on journalist Guillem Balague's Web site.

"It's clear that they have a lot of 20 or 25 million pound (US$40 or 50 million; £25-32 million) players, and that difference is what separates us in the league table,'' Torres said.”I hope that the club does what needs to be done and we can quickly catch them up.''

Liverpool finished fourth in Torres' debut season in the Premier League and was ousted in the Champions League semifinals by Chelsea.

The season was marred by a dispute between the club's American owners, who have struggled to agree on anything since January and have often criticized the other through media interviews.

Liverpool captain Steven Gerrard blamed the rift for hindering the Reds' bid to win the English title for the first time since 1990.

"It may have had more of an effect upon my teammates,'' Torres said.”But the truth is, that between the language and the fact that I don't pay much attention to that stuff, or to any of the problems, that it hasn't affected me.''

Torres witnessed turmoil during his Atletico Madrid career.

One training session in 2006 was interrupted by fans invading the pitch to demand the firing of the coach and club president. A potential move from the Vicente Calderon stadium, which sits on prime real estate land, caused further ructions in the boardroom.

"At Atletico Madrid I saw how even smaller problems can affect everyone at the club, right down to the last employee, and that can be damaging,'' Torres said. "This (Liverpool) is a big club that knows how to isolate you from those issues in order to stay competitive.''

When Torres returns from the European Championship, he is expecting a tougher season at Liverpool after 24 league goals in his first season.

"The second season is always the more difficult,'' Torres said.”People know all about me now, although I know more about my opponents as well, and I know how to take advantage of their weaknesses.

"But there's no doubt that I will have to account for the fact that I am better known from now on.''

Dossena Delight At Reds Deal

Andrea Dossena is delighted to become the first Italian international to play for Liverpool

The Udinese left-back will complete his move to Anfield in the coming days after undergoing a medical on Merseyside earlier this week.

Speaking exclusively to skysports.com, Dossena's agent Federico Pastorello revealed his client's delight at signing for Liverpool.

"I understand he is the first Italian international to play for Liverpool - a great opportunity for him and he is really happy," Pastorello revealed.

Dossena is expected to finalise his transfer in the next 48 hours before being unveiled by The Reds next week in a deal believed to be worth around £7million.

"He had his medical on Wednesday and we are just awaiting the formalities of that but we would think everything will be signed very shortly," he continued.

"An agreement between the clubs was hard, but we all found it and everything is now ready."

The 26-year-old had a tremendous campaign with Udinese, which included his debut for Italy, and Pastorello admits Liverpool beat a number of clubs to seal his signature.

"There were many teams interested in him," he confirmed.

"He was the best left-back in Italy last year, arguably along with the boy [Juan]Vargas at Catania.

"So it was natural that there will be interest in the best left-back in Serie A, but to have the chance to work with a coach like Rafa Benitez was something he could not turn down.

"That was an important aspect of his decision and he cannot wait to get started."

Tom Hicks Slams Talk Of Stadium Share

Tom Hicks today hit back at claims Liverpool could be willing to share a stadium with Everton.

Reports today suggested Liverpool’s American owners might be ready to change their stance on a ground share at the behest of North West Development Agency chief executive Steve Broomhead.

But Hicks insists a shared stadium is not on Liverpool’s agenda and has no interest in even considering it.

He also dismissed speculation that a meeting is scheduled with the NWDA to discuss the matter, as did Broomhead himself who revealed the talks which are due to take place with representatives of Kop Holdings next week will not include discussions about the possibility of Liverpool and Everton moving in together.

A spokesman for Hicks told the ECHO: “There is no interest in a shared stadium and no planned meeting to discuss this.”

Broomhead will hold talks with Kop Holdings next Friday in a bid to clarify funding issues over Liverpool’s planned new stadium on Stanley Park.

The original plans for Liverpool’s £300m ground included building work to begin last year, but the scheme was revised and the construction start delayed.

Now, as the credit crunch on both sides of the Atlantic continues to bite, the NWDA is seeking an update on Liverpool’s plans.

The agency has pledged to provide funding for important improvements to community facilities surrounding the new ground.

Broomhead said: “The meeting is to update me on where Liverpool FC and Kop Holdings are with the plans to fund the new stadium.

“I want to clarify where the funding is for the new Anfield.”

Broomhead is also closely involved with Everton’s controversial proposed move from Goodison to Kirkby, which is being funded by supermarket giant Tesco but subject to vehement objections from neighbouring local authorities and retailers.

However, he denied that the subject of a shared stadium by the two clubs which is favoured by Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley but rejected by both Everton and Liverpool is on next Friday’s agenda.

Broomhead, who confirmed that neither Hicks nor George Gillett will attend the briefing, said: “I am only interested in the economic benefits of improved sports facilities for Merseyside.”

Everton chief executive Keith Wyness also poured cold water on the speculation, saying: “I can categorically state that a shared stadium is not on the agenda of either club.”

Anfield US Owners Tom Hicks And George Gillett In Liverpool-Everton Shared Stadium Talks

The chief executive of the North West Development Agency has called for a "fundamental economic appraisal" of a shared stadium between Everton and Liverpool football clubs.

Steve Broomhead told the Liverpool Daily Post the idea needed to be looked at, given the current economic climate.

He is due to meet with Kop Holdings, Tom Hicks's and George Gillett's company, which owns Liverpool FC, next week. "More and more, it looks like if we are to upgrade the sporting stadiums for Merseyside, the ground sharing option has to go back on the table," Mr Broomhead said

"A fundamental economic appraisal of a ground share is needed."

Mr Broomhead said he had seen little progress at Anfield in raising money for the new stadium.

His call follows that of Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley, who last week said the idea of a shared ground should be explored.

Last night, Everton FC chief executive Keith Wyness said he had discussed the issue with Liverpool FC chief executive Rick Parry at a Football Association meeting in Leicestershire and a shared stadium "was not on the agenda of either club".

But last night a spokesman for Liverpool FC declined to comment.

Mr Broomhead's intervention follows Liverpool, Sefton, West Lancashire, and St Helens councils opposing Everton FC's plan to relocate to Kirkby.

The £400m scheme, which includes a Tesco superstore and 50 shops, will go before Knowsley council's planning committee on Monday.

The huge amount of opposition to the scheme and the fact it runs contrary to town centre and retail policies, increases the likelihood of the Government calling a public inquiry.

Last night, Mr Broomhead would not be drawn on whether the plans should be "called in" for a public inquiry.

Meanwhile, Liverpool FC received planning permission for a new £350m, 60,000-seater stadium on Stanley Park last month.

The club is understood to have £60m to get started on the new ground, but work is yet to start.

Mr Broomhead said: "We continue to watch this with interest. We are not seeing any real progress at Anfield in raising the money for the new stadium.

"I have been invited to discussions at the end of next week with Kop Holdings."

He said he was looking forward to hearing about the ownership of the club and financing for a new stadium on Stanley Park.

"We also continue to talk with Everton FC and Tesco."

He said the agency continued to support both Liverpool FC and Everton FC in their endeavours to build new stadia.

"But you have to wonder about the vast amounts of money being spent, given the current market conditions for investment."

Last night, Mr Wyness said: "Having discussed the matter with my Liverpool counterpart Rick Parry, I can categorically state that a shared stadium is not on the agenda of either club.

"We have a series of criteria which any prospective stadium must meet, and a shared stadium does not meet that criteria.

"When Mr Hicks and Mr Gillett took over Liverpool FC, they made it perfectly clear they were not interested."

He said he still believed that moving to Kirkby was the only viable option for Everton Football Club.

Liverpool council leader Warren Bradley said: "The idea seems to be gathering momentum, and a lot of people are looking at it.

"I think the feasibility should at least be looked at."

Liverpool Labour opposition leader Joe Anderson said the idea would have been "inconceivable" 18 months ago.

"The fact is we have got to work in the real world and both clubs are struggling financially.

"Maybe that's uncomfortable for both clubs and fans, but it is something that should be considered."

Liverpool Go Cool On Aaron Ramsey

Liverpool’s interest in Aaron Ramsey is unlikely to lead to a formal offer being made for the Welsh wonderkid.

The Reds have monitored Ramsey’s progress for more than a year and Rafa Benitez is an admirer of his obvious talent but the Liverpool manager knows his priority is to improve the first team this summer and is reluctant to spend a sizeable chunk of his transfer budget on a teenager with just 22 games to his name.

Cardiff City have accepted bids in the region of £5m for the 17-year-old midfielder from Man United, Everton and Arsenal but at that price, Liverpool’s interest is likely to cool.

Benitez has identified several areas of his squad which he is keen to strengthen with the full-back and wide positions being top of his list and Liverpool’s transfer activity will be centred on those areas.

Philipp Degen has already been snapped up and Liverpool are waiting for the formalities of Andrea Dossena’s medical to be completed before finalising his transfer from Udinese.

The £7m fee Liverpool have agreed with Udinese is based on an up front payment of £6m with add-ons and incentives.

Though Benitez would like to be able to move for Ramsey he is not willing to sacrifice other transfer targets whom he feels will have a more immediate impact.

As the Reds boss reshapes his squad ahead of the forthcoming campaign there is no shortage of interest in those members of his squad who have fallen out of favour.

Portsmouth boss Harry Redknapp has admitted for the first time that he would like to take Peter Crouch back to Fratton Park, although he is unwilling to meet Benitez’s £15m asking price.

While Roma have firmed up their long standing interest in John Arne Riise with an opening offer for the Norwegian only for it to fall short of Liverpool’s valuation.

Redknapp said: “I don’t know if the avenue for Peter Crouch is shut or not. If Liverpool are asking £15m for him it is certainly shut.

“I like Peter, but he belongs to Liverpool at the moment.

“If the price is right something could happen. If they wanted £10m it would certainly be more interesting. We do need another front man.”

Meanwhile, Steve Finnan has revealed he is considering coming out of international retirement to play for new Republic of Ireland boss Giovanni Trapattoni.

The Ireland manager is keen to persuade the Reds right back to return to the international fold and Finnan says he is planning to hold talks with Trapattoni.

“We’re going to have a chat,” he said. “When a new manager comes in that's normal, and out of respect you have to do so.

“The opportunity to work with someone of that experience is very tempting. He's got a great CV and he’s done really well at lots of clubs. Everyone in my position would consider it.

“No deadline's been put on making a final decision but I take it he'll want to know before the first World Cup qualifier.”

Rafa Benitez Steps Up Chase For David Bentley

With Gareth Barry expected at Anfield next week to fulfil his desire for Champions League football, Rafael Benitez is expected to step up his chase for another England international in David Bentley.

Bentley is believed to have been unsettled at Ewood Park for several months after he was left with nearly a full season without European football following Blackburn’s early exit from the Uefa Cup at the hands of Greek minnows Larissa.

With FA Cup winners Portsmouth and Carling Cup winners Tottenham finishing below the Lancastrians in the Premier League table, a seventh-place finish was not good enough to get Rovers back into continental competition again next season – even via the Intertoto Cup.

This week’s departure of manager Mark Hughes to Manchester City – another side who have finished below Blackburn but will be tasting Europe this summer via the Fair Play League – is set to spark an exodus of several major names at Ewood Park and Bentley is set to be leading the queue at the exit door.

Benitez is finally expected to snare Villa skipper Barry, who has served the Midlands club for 11 years, next week with the midfielder now back from international duty in Trinidad where he scored his first goal for his country.

The Anfield manager has already prepared for Barry’s arrival by allowing his compatriot Xabi Alonso to leave the club with the Spanish international having agreed terms over a move to Italians Juventus although the two clubs are yet to formalise a fee which could vary between £14-16m.

With the expected £10m plus deal for Barry potentially cancelled out by possible moves in the opposite direction for Peter Crouch, Scott Carson or even John Arne Riise, Benitez, who expects to tie up a move for Andrea Dossena today ahead of the Italian full-back’s wedding this weekend, will be expecting a considerable warchest from the club’s American owners to land a big name like Bentley to attempt to close the gap on Manchester United who can potentially equal Liverpool’s record of 18 League Championships with a title victory next May.

Since arriving from Valencia in 2004, where he won two domestic Spanish titles, Benitez, despite his success in European competition, has struggled to mount a serious charge for the Premier League crown.

That fact, combined with the looming threat from Fifa president Sepp Blatter that club sides may soon be forced to field six nationals in their starting line-ups, has prompted the Spaniard to try and attract more high profile English players to Anfield.

On average, Liverpool had just two English players – Jamie Carragher and Steven Gerrard – in their starting line-up last season, a figure which was the second lowest in the Premier League after Arsenal.

Ironically, Bentley, 23, who is now one of the hottest properties in the Premier League and regarded as the long term successor to David Beckham, left the Gunners after becoming frustrated at a lack of first team opportunities under Arsene Wenger whose multinational squads feature few homegrown stars.

Meanwhile, one of Liverpool’s big success stories from overseas, Fernando Torres, who netted 33 goals in his debut season at Anfield, has revealed that he believes Premier League centre-halves tend to rely on brut force rather than skill although he believes there is at least one exception among his opponents.

He said: "John Terry is captain (At Chelsea) so gets a much higher profile. But he’s only secondary to (Ricardo) Carvalho.

"The central defenders (in the Premier League) are usually big, strong, aggressive lads but Ricky is superb. He has every quality that is needed."

The Spanish striker, who eclipsed Ruud van Nistelrooy’s record for the most goals by a foreign striker in his debut Premier League campaign, certainly had the measure of most of the defences he has declared that a lot of his success is down to an unfamiliar source – Liverpool goalkeeping coach Xavi Valero.

"We’ve a Spanish goalkeeping coach and he has been a genius at telling me every week exactly what kind of task lies in front of me in the following match," said Torres.

"Nobody has ever worked with me like this before. It’s outstanding. Basically, I know days before the next game exactly the best way to finish a chance against the keeper I’m about to face.

"Xavi Valero tells me precisely what each keeper tends to do – stay big, go down early, if they have a preferred side they try to push you to. It’s vital information. I’ve refined the way I take chances as a result.

"This Liverpool side also works its socks off. Dirk Kuyt, for example, is spectacular in how cleverly and how hard he works to make sure I get top-quality possession near goal."

Liverpool Face Competition For Thiago

Monaco have declared their firm interest in Brazilian defender Thiago Silva, who is also reported to be a target for Rafa Benitez's Liverpool.

Thiago has been in stellar form for Fluminese, and his rapid development has not gone unnoticed by Carlos Dunga, who has rewarded him with call-ups to the national squad.

Monaco boss Ricardo, a former Fluminese player himself,had this to say about the highly promising 23-year-old: "He is a huge player, an ace.

"If we can attract him at Monaco, we will be good in defence. I will do my best to have him."

If Thiago does opt to sign for the French Principality club, they would actually become his third European team. In 2004, FC Porto signed the player, but he ended up being sold to Dynamo Moscow after one year of play in the second team.

Milan, Villarreal and Bayer Leverkusen are also known to be keen on Thiago, along with his former club Porto and their Portuguese rivals Benfica.

Redknapp Won't Pay Over The Odds

Portsmouth manager Harry Redknapp insists he will not be held to ransom over a summer move for Liverpool striker Peter Crouch.

Liverpool have slapped a £15million price tag on the England international, a fee which Portsmouth are refusing to pay.

Redknapp admits he is keen to bring the striker back for a second spell at Fratton Park, but will not pay over the odds in order to get his man.

Crouch is desperate to find regular first-team football, while Pompey are keen to boost their attacking options.

"I don't know if the avenue for Peter Crouch is shut or not," Redknapp told The News.

"If Liverpool are asking £15m for him it is certainly shut.

"I like Peter, but he belongs to Liverpool at the moment.

"If the price is right something could happen. If they wanted £10m it would certainly be more interesting. We do need another front man.

"At the moment we have David Nugent, Kanu and Jermain Defoe. We need another one up there, at least.

"You need to have at least four strikers. So I need another good one up there."

Redknapp confirmed that his search for new faces has been restricted to the domestic market so far, but refused to rule out the possibility of branching further afield in an attempt to find players of the required quality at a price the club can afford.

"We're looking around at a few things at the moment," he said.

"We are still making enquiries. They have mostly been at home in England, to be honest.

"We are seeing what is possible."

Liverpool Stay In Hunt For Ramsey

Liverpool are considering challenging for Aaron Ramsey’s signature after the Cardiff youngster’s move to Manchester United was thrown into doubt last night.

United announced they had snapped up for the 17-year-old winger before Cardiff issued a swift response denying a deal had been done. Arsenal joined the chase after City gave permission for £5million-rated Ramsey to open contract talks with Barclays Premier League clubs.

Liverpool are understood to have made an initial offer that fell short of that valuation, but are now considering a deal involving cash and a season’s loan of two youngsters, wide men Paul Anderson and Adam Hammill.

“We can confirm that on Tuesday, June 3, Cardiff City have received formal bids from three top Premier League teams for Aaron Ramsey and that he has been given permission to speak to two of these teams,” said a Cardiff statement. “One of these teams is Manchester United, as has been reported, although at this stage we can confirm that no deal has been done and the player has not yet agreed terms.

“More details will be made available as they are released to us.”

Ramsey, who has also interested Everton, has been labelled the next Ryan Giggs – something Manchester United were predictably only too keen to rush out when they released an official statement on their website.

It read: “Manchester United is delighted to announce it has agreed terms with Cardiff City for the transfer of Aaron Ramsey, subject to contract terms being agreed and the player passing a medical.

“Ramsey, who has attracted plenty of interest from the best clubs in England, is considered one of his country’s brightest prospects in recent years and follows in an impressive line of left-sided Welsh players, including Gareth Bale and his idol, Ryan Giggs.”

Cardiff manager Dave Jones said: “Whatever happens, the move must be right for Aaron.

“I am sure he will make the right decision.

“When it came to this deal, we have always maintained that, of course, it had to be right for Cardiff City, but it also had to be the right move to continue Aaron’s development.

“He will become one of the best Welsh international players in history, but it is up to the kid now.”

Caerphilly-born Ramsey came to prominence this season and played his part in the Welsh club’s run to last month’s FA Cup final, which they lost to Portsmouth.

He overtook John Toshack as Cardiff’s youngest-ever senior player when he came on aged just 16 years and 123 days against Hull the season before last.

He was called up by national coach Toshack for Wales’ friendlies in Iceland and Holland last week, but is still to win his first senior cap.

Andrea Dossena Flies In To Sign Liverpool FC Deal

Andrea Dossena was today undergoing a medical ahead of his expected £7m move to Liverpool.

The Italian left back is due to get married this weekend but such is his desire to sign for the Reds he has taken time out from his wedding preparations to fly to Merseyside to undergo his medical.

A fee in the region of £7m has been agreed with Udinese and terms have also been agreed with the player who was revealed as Rafa Benitez's number one target for the left back position last month.

The deal to sign him was held up by Udinese's initial demands with the Serie A club seeking up to £8m for the 26-year-old but a compromise has now been reached and, barring any last minute hitches, Dossena will become Liverpool's second signing of the summer following the arrival of Swiss right back Philipp Degen.

Dossena's agent Federico Pastorello admitted: "Everything is confirmed and we have already exchanged all the documents via fax. The deal is practically done."

Although Dossena has not made the Italian national squad for the forthcoming European Championships in Austria and Switzerland, he is considered one of the most improved players in Italy over the last 12 months and his impressive displays for Udinese led to him being awarded his first full cap in a friendly against South Africa last season.

His form alerted Benitez, who had made the recruitment of a top class left back one of his priorities for this summer.

With the out of favour John Arne Riise having been told he has no future at Anfield, the Reds boss is hopeful of recouping the majority of his outlay on Dossena by selling the Norwegian defender – with AS Roma and Newcastle leading the chase for his services.

Dossena only recently signed a new four and a half year deal with Udinese but that has not stopped Liverpool from coming to an agreement with his club and Benitez will be delighted that another piece of his summer rebuilding programme now looks set to fall into place.

Meanwhile, Fernando Torres is confident of being fit for Spain's start to Euro 2008 despite struggling with an ankle injury.

The 33-goal Reds marksman is hopeful of featuring in tonight's warm-up clash with the USA despite reports suggesting he could miss Spain's opening fixture against Russia on June 10.

Torres was replaced at half-time during last Saturday's 2-1 friendly win over Peru in Huelva after complaining of an ankle problem.

"My ankle is fine. It was touch and go the other day, but it's gradually improving," he revealed.

"We'll see, but at the moment I think that I'll have no problems for the USA match. The coach decides, but the important thing is that we prepare for the Euros as well as possible."